Ban Ki-moon welcomes G-8 statement

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the G-8 statement on climate change, food security and development as a good beginning to address the three interrelated global crises but stressed the need for speedier action in the days ahead.

"The discussion provides initial direction for global efforts that must be accelerated in the coming weeks and months," Ban said in a statement issued at the conclusion of the Summit of G-8 leaders in Hokkaido, Japan.

Ban welcomed the Group's statement on climate change and the environment, including the long-term goal of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2050, as "a clear step forward."

At the same time, he stressed the need to go further.

"By next year in Copenhagen we need to collectively agree to ambitious mid-term emission reduction targets for developed countries, coupled with meaningful efforts by developing countries to reduce the growth of their emissions, consistent with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities," the Secretary-General said.

Ban was also pleased with the "strong commitment" of the G-8 to address the global food crisis in a Global Partnership for Food, facilitated and coordinated by the UN.

"The sense of urgency displayed by the G-8 in tackling the most immediate food, nutrition, and agricultural inputs needs of tens of millions of hungry people worldwide is encouraging," he said.

"However, the G-8 call on all Member States to contribute to this shared human responsibility must be accompanied by a strong willingness to tackle the underlying structural causes of this crisis with a similar sense of urgency," Ban said, emphasising the need to significantly step up public and private investment into agriculture.